When it comes to vehicles that are known for their off-road capabilities that look good doing it, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is towards the front of the pack. This article will be a buying guide for adventure seekers interested in a used Jeep Grand Cherokee to help ensure you know exactly what you want before you even come see us.
Key takeaways
- Despite being a luxury SUV, it often came with features that helped take it off-road.
- If you’re wanting something a little more capable, then you should look for the more recent iterations as they come with suspension systems that help with the elements.
- Most generations of the Grand Cherokee saw new engines, helping keep things fresh, and powerful.
First Generation (1993-1998)
When the Grand Cherokee was first introduced, it came in the luxury SUV segment. For 1993, the Grand Cherokee came with 3 trim levels, the Base, Laredo, and Limited. Being that this is supposed to be a luxury trim, the Base was ultimately discontinued. The Grand Cherokee originally came with two transmission options that were paired to a 4.0 L AMC-derived straight-six engine that made 190 horsepower. These transmissions were a four-speed automatic transmission, and Aisin AX15 manual transmission. After 1994, the manual transmission was removed.
When 1998 came around, the Cherokee saw some updates. The lineup topping Limited trim saw a new variant. This trim was the 5.9 Limited, and was marketed as the fastest SUV on the market at that time. This 5.9L V8 engine was able to produce 245-horsepower with ease.
Second Generation (1999-2004)
When this generation hit the streets, it came with a new interior look. The redesign allowed for larger rear doors, and more space for rear passengers. The driver of the Grand Cherokee now has better access to the controls for various items like headlights, heated seats, and rear wiper. This generation also saw an enhancement to the ride and strengthened the network of steel beams, rails and pillars. This helps keep you, and your passengers safe when on the trails.
Third Generation (2005-2010)
This generation didn’t see too much done in terms of off-road features, but did come with some new features. These features are revised headlights and available high-intensity discharge headlamps with auto-leveling. The lower part of the front bumper can still be removed to help improve approach angle when off-road. The 4.7 L was refined, now producing 305 hp and 334 lb-ft of torque. If you’re looking for something a bit more powerful, then you can look for a 2009 model. This one had seen an improved 5.7 L Hemi engine join the lineup as an optional engine. This engine produced 357 hp, and 389 lb-ft of torque.
Fourth Generation (2011-2020)
This generation saw four-wheel independent suspension that was not on generations before it. This helped improve handling in some situations. If you’re wanting something with a little more power for the trails, then you can look for an SRT8 from this generation. The SRT8 is equipped with a 470-horsepower 6.4 L Hemi V8 engine.
Fifth Generation (2021-Present)
This generation saw an expansion to the Grand Cherokee name. The new Grand Cherokee is the Grand Cherokee L. The L is 15 inches longer than the base Grand Cherokee, giving it slightly more wheelbase length.
You can find a ton of new features that help keep the Grand Cherokee fresh. The first feature that you can find is a nineteen-speaker McIntosh premium amplified surround sound audio system. When behind the wheel, you can look for massaging front seats, a rear seat view camera, a surround-view camera system, an inside fam cam for viewing different seats, and a rearview camera digital mirror.
The changes weren’t limited to the interior features. This generation saw the choice between three different four-wheel-drive systems. These systems are the Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II featuring low range, and Quadra Trac II with Electronic Limited Slip Differential, this is also known as Quadra-Drive II. The Quadra Trac II also comes with an air suspension system, as well as rear-wheel drive. Being that it has an air suspension system, you can drive in up to two feet of water without worry. When your Grand Cherokee is properly equipped, you can tow up to 7,200 pounds with ease, making this the perfect vehicle to take with you on the road for a day of fun with some toys.
Which four-wheel-drive system is right for me? When looking at the three options, there’s two main contenders. According to JD Power, Quadra-Trac II is for those who want more of a standard day off off-road fun. But if you’re looking for the most extreme trails, and conditions, then the Quadra-Drive II is where it’s at.
Which generation is right for you? Well, that depends on what you’re after. If you’re wanting something vintage that is still capable, then the first few are perfect for you. If you’re wanting something that is more modern, and the tech reflects that, then you want something newer. No matter what you need, the Grand Cherokee is much more than a luxury SUV, and we’re eager to show you our inventory. Come see us here at Jarrett today for more information on our stock!